Embryonic Structure
somite Audio
so·mite [ soh-mahyt ]
Subclass of:
Mesoderm
Definitions related to somites:
  • A developmentally transient structure comprising paired cuboidal bodies formed from paraxial mesoderm on either side of the developing neural tube, with subsequent pairs forming in a craniocaudal sequence; these structures ultimately differentiate into muscle, bone, and connective tissues of the body.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Paired, segmented masses of MESENCHYME located on either side of the developing spinal cord (neural tube). Somites derive from PARAXIAL MESODERM and continue to increase in number during ORGANOGENESIS. Somites give rise to SKELETON (sclerotome); MUSCLES (myotome); and DERMIS (dermatome).
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Somite, in embryology, one of a longitudinal series of blocklike segments into which the mesoderm, the middle layer of tissue, on either side of the embryonic spine becomes divided. Collectively, the somites constitute the vertebral plate. Out of the somites arise the sclerotome, forerunner of the...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.